Meet our Staff

What is Sidwell Summer?  At its core, Sidwell Summer is a camp community of campers, counselors, teachers and directors who make the summer experience unique for everyone who is a part of it. All year, we are hard at work developing the very best in summer programs, workshops and offerings for children ages 3 through 18.  We love what we do and it shows in all that is Sidwell Summer!  Sidwell Summer has an amazing team who bring over 85 years of camp experience to the programs. We too have been campers, counselors, CITs, teachers, students, coaches and camp parents. Our team of five works year round to make your child’s summer experience all that it should be.

Each summer a dedicated and talented group of educators from the DC area lead our programs. Counselors bring fun and energy to your child's experience.

We are here to help you build your experience, so please call or e-mail and we will help you plan an unforgettable summer. You can also visit us at one of our Open Houses for more information.

Start Thinking Summer – it is what we do all year!

Karen, Janet, Elizabeth, Katelyn & Ryan

Karen McCann McClelland

Director of Auxiliary Programs
AB, Bowdoin College
MEd, Johns Hopkins University
Georgetown University, NonProfit Management Executive Program

Karen joined Sidwell’s Auxiliary Programs in 1998 after serving as Dean of Students at St. Margaret’s School. Previously she was the Business Manager and Dean of Students for the Explorations Summer Program held at Wellesley College. She has also worked at summer programs at Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA and St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, VA. Her two children love being a part of Sidwell Summer too!   Look for Karen at the Tiki Hut on the DC Campus (she is the red head with the ponytail!)
Contact: mcclellandk@sidwell.edu 202- 537-2409

Janet Carter

Director of Sidwell Summer
BA, Rhodes College

Janet has been with Sidwell Summer since 2001. Prior to joining Sidwell, she served as one of the directors of Rockbrook Camp in Brevard, NC for four years. Her daughter loves attending Sidwell Summer programs as well- so much so that Janet is often "playing" camp or singing camp songs at home!
Contact: carterj@sidwell.edu  202-537-2489

Sidwell Summer’s Team of Program Directors plan fun activities and enriching workshops all year and are a short phone call or e-mail away – they love talking summer all year!

Elizabeth Kerr

Auxiliary Programs Assistant Director
BA, Smith College

Elizabeth directs the Kaleidoscope Program on the Bethesda Campus.  She graduated with a degree in Child Study from Smith College and has spent several summers working with Sidwell Summer in different capacities.  She taught elementary school in both Fairfax County and DC Public Schools before joining Sidwell's Auxiliary Programs’ team full time.
Contact: kerre@sidwell.edu 202-537-8403

Katelyn Burcaw

Auxiliary Programs Assistant Director
BA, American University

Katelyn was born and raised in the summer camp world! Katelyn directs the Kaleidoscope program in Bethesda.  She has led Sidwell Summer's Voyager program, DC Camp 'til Six program, and has worked with Sidwell's Lower School Aftercare Program. Katelyn joined the Sidwell Summer team after graduating from American University with a BA in Philosophy.
Contact: burcawk@sidwell.edu  (202) 537-8401

Ryan Ball

Auxiliary Programs Assistant Director
BA, University of Richmond

Ryan directs the Explorer Programs on the DC Campus.  A former Division 1 Lacrosse Player, Ryan graduated from The University of Richmond with dual degrees in Sociology and Education.  Before joining Sidwell’s Auxiliary Programs’ team full time Ryan worked at The Lawrenceville School coordinating Summer Programs and scheduling.
Contact: ballr@sidwell.edu  (202) 537-8404